Saltleaf Golf Preserve features a brand new 18-hole championship course, designed by golf champion Raymond Floyd, and nine-hole, par 3 course.
NAPLES, FLA. – London Bay Development Group, one of Southwest Florida’s most prominent developers, recently announced the grand opening of Saltleaf Golf Preserve, featuring an 18-hole championship course designed by four-time major champion and World Golf Hall of Famer Raymond Floyd and a nine-hole, par 3 short course, both open to the public. This also includes the debut of a 40,000-square-foot state-of-the-art driving range facility and a newly reimagined 12,500-square-foot clubhouse complete with an upscale restaurant and bar – accessible to the community – and pro shop. To maintain the highest standards, Saltleaf Golf Preserve is operated by Troon, a worldwide leader in golf and club management.
“We are extremely proud to officially present Saltleaf Golf Preserve to the Southwest Florida community, signifying that Saltleaf on Estero Bay has officially come to life,” said Mark Wilson, CEO of London Bay Development Group. “Today marks a significant stride towards realizing our vision for the entire Saltleaf community – to curate a living experience with all that one might desire, offering little reason to leave, and a life in harmony with nature.”
The grand opening was celebrated on January 11th, unveiling the extraordinary vision of the newly inaugurated golf course, and setting the stage for an exceptional experience in the world of golf. London Bay Development Group, Troon, development partners, and community leaders gathered at the Saltleaf Clubhouse for an exclusive ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate this momentous occasion. Special guests included Bonita Springs Mayor Rick Steinmeyer, Councilwomen Laura Carr and Jamie Bogacz, Councilmen Nigel Fullick and Jesse Pardon, Village of Estero Council member Jim Ward, Village of Estero Vice Mayor Joanne Ribble, and others.
Left to right: Bill Ribble, Laura Carr, Mark Wilhelmi, Craig Klingensmith, Mark Wilson, Rick Steinmeyer, and Jamie B
Located beside Florida’s oldest aquatic preserve, within the 500-acre coastal village of Saltleaf on Estero Bay, the 18-hole daily fee course showcases the unparalleled expertise and strategic design for which Floyd is known. In keeping with his philosophy of remaining true to the native topography of the land, it embraces the natural Florida habitat for a scenic, immersive experience. Formally known as Raptor Bay, the multi-year, $25 million transformation brings a destination element to Estero Bay, offering multiple ways to play for golfers of every level.
“This renovation is a tremendous improvement to the area and the landscaping team has done an incredible job of using the environment to create the course rather than working against it using artificial challenges,” said Mark Lye, former professional golfer and future resident at the neighboring Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay. “It’s the perfect balance of playability and difficulty.”
At 7,075 yards with a slope rating of 126 and a course rating of 72.8, Saltleaf Golf Preserve stretches 150 acres. Fresh design elements include naturally exposed sandy areas with no formal bunkers, water smart, high-performance grasses like Tif-Eagle and Bimini Bermuda, abundant lakes, rolling terrain and profound quiet amidst a nature preserve. Avid golfers can look forward to the course’s signature second hole, with a drivable par 4, and an experience that will test every club in their bag.
The celebration also commemorated the opening of Saltleaf Golf Preserve’s short course, The Leaf. One of the first nine-hole, par 3 courses in Southwest Florida, it combines fun playability and challenge for all ages and levels. Created for beginners honing their skills or those more experienced who seek a more relaxed pace, this walkable short course will allow for corporate gatherings, birthday celebrations, and various group events.
Immersed in nature without any homes in sight, Saltleaf Golf Preserve will coexist with 144 acres of Florida uplands preserve, surrounded by native flora and a range of ecosystems, including a variety of species from tropical, salt-resistant plants to living local wildlife. Its location within the master-planned community of Saltleaf on Estero Bay will also be home to The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay, offering a one-of-a-kind ownership opportunity for buyers seeking luxury living. Upon completion, additional destination amenities will include a new 72-slip Saltleaf Marina (currently under construction), five-star waterfront restaurant, chef-driven dining locales, new future residential offerings, nature, biking trails, and more.
Saltleaf is situated just north of Naples and only 20 minutes from Southwest Florida International Airport. Its priceless location near the friendly town of Bonita Springs also provides easy access to the area’s sugar-white sand beaches, boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.
Satleaf Golf Preserve is located at 23001 Coconut Point Resort Dr, Bonita Springs, FL 33928.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
